This book covers the journey the writer Anton Chekhov took to the far reaches of Siberia, specifically the Russian prison colony on Sakhalin island.

The first part reproduces his letters home from that time, telling his family of his journey, his attempts at humour and keeping it light, the problems he faces along the way. The second part focuses on his time at the prison, what he sees and experiences there, the conditions in which people are living.

I am possibly the worst person to review this book, as it is not something that interests me at all. Having said that, it was not a difficult read, and if you're interested in Chekhov or history I'm sure it's probably very good. The letters themselves were not very moving to me, more a mundane look at a journey, and far more detailed than they really needed to be. The prison section has a more human touch, and his descriptions are very vivid.

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